What Mikel Arteta Was Furious About During Lens’ Goal vs. Arsenal in the Champions League Clash

Arsenal updates – Mikel Arteta reacted angrily to Lens’ goal in the Champions League match against the Gunners after recognizing a monumental moment Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal was cancelled out by Adrien Thomasson as the Gunners and RC Lens entered the break tied 1-1. After a sluggish start, the Gunners took the lead in the 14th minute when Jesus scored off a Bukayo Saka pass after Montpellier lost possession in their own half.

After David Raya’s long pass out of the back was intercepted, the French side deservedly drew level with their opponents. With many Arsenal players caught out of position, the hosts advanced swiftly, with the ball reaching Elye Wahi, who was able to find Thomasson, whose shot beat Raya with precision.

The situation deteriorated further for Arteta’s team when Saka fell to the ground clutching his hamstring. The physiotherapists arrived to administer treatment, but it was quickly decided that he would be replaced by Fabio Vieira.

However, Arteta ‘was enraged prior to his star player’s injury-related withdrawal, claiming the Lens goal should have been disallowed. Deiver Machado was the one who intercepted Raya’s pass; it appeared that he chested it down, but some angles revealed that he used his arm.

As a result, Arteta was furious that the goal stood despite what he believed to be a clear handball on the play. Upon looking at more replays from different angles it looks as though the ball touches the Lens man just above the t-shirt line which is not deemed as a deliberate handball.

In real time, it appeared to Arteta to be a blatant handball, and given its proximity to the goal-scoring sequence, it was certainly reviewed by VAR. However, there was no lengthy review after the ball nestled into the back of the net, as it was evident to officials that the goal was legal.